Ingredients

Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate

What disodium stearoyl glutamate does in cleansers and creams, how it helps formulas mix or cleanse, and who may prefer it.

Extremely safeIn 9 products we cover

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Quick facts

INCI name
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CAS number
38079-62-8
Origin
Plant-derived or Synthetic
Chemical class
Amino-acid-derived anionic surfactant
What it does in a formula
cleansing, emulsifying, surfactant
Why it is in the formula
It helps blend oils and water and can support gentle cleansing in a formula.

What it is

An anionic surfactant composed of a stearic fatty chain bonded to an amino-acid glutamate group, disodium stearoyl glutamate helps blend oil and water phases in cosmetics. It can also provide gentle cleansing support across various formulas. While its feedstock sources and manufacturing pathways vary, the ingredient name alone does not specify the precise raw origin.

You may encounter it in facial cleansers, creams, or makeup, where surfactants can have more than one formulation job. In a cleanser, it contributes to the surfactant blend that lifts oils and residue. In a cream, it may help the oil and water phases remain uniform. It is sometimes promoted as a mild or amino-acid-based surfactant, but those labels do not guarantee how every finished product will feel.

What it does

  • Helps cleanse. As a surfactant, it can help water carry away oils and dirt from skin during rinsing.
  • Supports emulsions. It helps oil and water ingredients stay mixed in lotions and creams.
  • Contributes to product feel. The surfactant blend and other ingredients determine foam, slip, and after-feel.

Who it suits

This ingredient can appear in rinse-off cleansers as well as leave-on emulsions, so the product type matters. A cleanser containing it may suit you if you like a foaming wash, but skin comfort depends on the complete surfactant system and how long it stays on your face. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, consider a less cleansing or more moisturizing formula rather than focusing on this one name.

A formula’s mildness is not established by a single ingredient label. Fragrance, other surfactants, product pH, and use frequency all matter. If you have known ingredient sensitivities, review the full list and patch-test new leave-on products. Stop using a formula that causes persistent discomfort and speak with a dermatologist if reactions recur.

What to pair it with, and what not to

Disodium stearoyl glutamate does not need to be paired with another active. It already contributes to the cleanser or emulsion, so follow product directions and use a moisturizer afterward if your skin needs one.

Skin Realist check: The ingredient list is full of supporting roles. A useful emulsifier does not need to audition for the starring part.

Quick picks with Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate

Picked from label facts only. We haven't tested these products.

All 9 products with Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate

Full-Coverage Camouflage & Liquid Foundations (4)

High-Definition Camouflage Concealers (3)

Mineral Pressed Powders & Skin-Nourishing Primers (1)

Eye Shadows, Liners, Mascara & Brow Makeup (1)

Common questions

What does disodium stearoyl glutamate do?

It is a surfactant that can help oil and water mix and can contribute to cleansing. It is used as a formula helper rather than a stand-alone skin active.

Is disodium stearoyl glutamate a harsh detergent?

Its name alone does not predict how a finished cleanser will feel. The surfactant blend, product pH, contact time, and other ingredients all affect cleansing and after-feel.

Is disodium stearoyl glutamate derived from coconut?

Its fatty portion may be sourced from vegetable fats, while the glutamate portion is related to an amino acid. The label does not identify the manufacturer's raw material source.

Can I use it with other skincare ingredients?

It is built into a finished cleanser or emulsion and does not require a special pairing. Follow the directions for the product and judge it by how the complete formula feels.

Sources